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By Amy Zhang August 13, 2018 in Style 4 Comments

Adjusting to Change and How to Find a New Routine

Happy Monday! It’s been a crazy few months to say the least… I’ve taken a step away from blogging and posting to focus on other changes in my life. If it seems like I’ve been distracted and my mind has been elsewhere, it’s because it has been! I started a new job at the end of June and then took a much needed vacation in July (still have so many blog posts I need to share from the trip). Now that I’m back, I’ve been mostly focusing on work and finding a new routine. Change can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be! I’m a firm believer that change is a positive thing, and you can only grow and get better by pushing yourself. As much as I love blogging and the opportunities it’s given me, I’ve always remained focused on my career. Of course, juggling both has its pros and cons. As I’ve been adjusting to changes in my life (hello, new commute!), I’ve been working on finding a new routine as well. Here’s some of the best advice I’ve received.

Adjusting to change & finding a new routine

+ Don’t be so hard on yourself.

It takes time to adjust to change! Your body and mind are in shock and trying to adjust – it usually takes at least a few months to get into a new groove. If you’re starting a new job, going to school, or moving to a new city, big changes take a lot of time to get used to. Your daily routine will be different – and that’s ok!

+ Make time for yourself.

If you’re feeling stressed (or even thriving on change!), it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself when you’re going through a whirlwind of events. It’s ok to stop and make time for yourself – even if it’s something small. Lately I’ve been gravitating towards very restorative yoga classes (think: not heated, not intense at all – just long, deep stretches to relax the mind) as a way to unwind and take care of myself. If you’re into massages, or maybe a little retail therapy, that’s ok – treat yourself!

+ Learn to say no.

In the same vein, it’s ok to say no every now and then while you adjust to change. Before you know it, you’ll be in a groove again and ready to jump back into the swing of things! On that note, I’m learning how to balance my new job with my personal life and the blog. : )

Also, you can now shop my looks on Foray! I am loving this new shop-by-influencer platform that features so many of my favorite brands. Full outfit details are below.

How do you adjust to change in your life?

swimsuit: tularosa (sold out, similar) | shorts: re/done | belt: b-low the belt sunglasses: similar | shoes: steve madden

By Amy Zhang June 27, 2018 in Style 2 Comments

4th of July Inspired Swimwear

Fourth of July is less than a week away! What better way to dress for the occasion than with a festive holiday inspired swimsuit and coverup? Just because the holiday falls on a Wednesday this year doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your day off! See below for some of my favorite stars and stripes filled 4th of July inspired swimwear looks.

Norma Kamali Top and Bottoms – love this black and white star print that can be worn beyond the 4th of July. I love this similar striped version as well. Would be super cute to mix and match stars and stripes as well.

Solid and Striped One Piece – this on point color blocked one shoulder one piece covers your bases for red, white, and blue!

Off the Shoulder Top and Bottoms – this print just screams 4th of July!

Red Striped Jumpsuit – love this cover up to take you from the pool or beach to night.

Star Print Cover Up – another maxi you can take from the beach to streets.

Red and White One Piece – another on point example of color blocking done right that pairs perfectly with denim bottoms.

Shop 4th of July Inspired Swimwear:

By Amy Zhang June 18, 2018 in Style 2 Comments

Bridesmaids Dresses You’ll Actually Want to Wear by Amsale

It’s wedding season and there is nothing more exciting than being asked to be part of someone’s special day. Of course, bridesmaids dresses are notorious for being less than flattering and despite everyone insisting that you’ll wear them again, you most likely will not end up doing so. One bridal trend I’m totally behind is picking a color or a color palette for your bridesmaids and allowing them to choose their own dress in that shade. At the end of the day you want to avoid anything that’s too revealing or distracting, but I have noticed some bridesmaids lines creating a range of dresses specifically for this person. With several weddings to attend over the next year, I have my eyes set on bridesmaids dresses by Amsale. I’m wearing the Bray dress in fawn and I can actually see myself wearing this dress again!

Listening to my friends as they plan their weddings also made me realize how important it is to not only be a well dressed guest, but also a well behaved guest! Wedding planning is stressful and not for the faint of heart, anything you can do to minimize added stress and make the day as smooth as possible will be appreciated.

Some simple etiquette tips to follow:

+ Be responsive! When the bride asks for your address, get back to her quickly. When you receive the formal invitation in the mail, RSVP. The last thing a frazzled bride wants to do is chase down her guests.

+ Don’t expect a +1. Weddings are expensive and different couples may have different viewpoints on allowing guests. As a guest, you cannot expect to be given a +1 simply because you were invited.

+ Read the invite carefully and follow the dress code. This is usually made clear on the wedding invite or website. When in doubt, err on the side of caution! If you aren’t sure if your attire choice is right, then go with a safer bet.

+ Be on time! This goes without saying.

+ Buy a gift early. This way you won’t forget, and you’ll have a better selection from the wedding registry. Lately I have been buying my gifts from Zola – they have tons of amazing gift options for any couple in your life (including experiences and cash funds). Think outside of the box gifts for the couples you love. I’ve also partnered with Zola to give you $50 credit towards your registry when you spend $500 or more. Click here to learn more!

By Amy Zhang June 12, 2018 in Style 1 Comment

Do One Thing a Day That Sucks

I can’t take credit for all of the thoughts and lessons behind my posts. I’m constantly drawing inspiration from so many different sources – books, podcasts, public figures, the list goes on. One of the biggest influences in my life is my boyfriend. I’m a fairly private person and don’t usually discuss this side of my life on the blog – but I would be leaving out a huge part of my life by not mentioning him and the role he has played in my life. Beyond his constant support in my own journey, he serves as one of my greatest sources of inspiration (it helps that he has been doing that for a living for over a decade). He’s constantly pushing me to be the best version of myself and always has the best advice and words of wisdom.

The latest nugget of wisdom I’ve taken from him is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. He recently interviewed Jesse Itzler for his podcast (I am SO excited to hear this episode) – and he shared something Jesse said. “Do something that sucks” every day. I thought about this a lot over the weekend – at first you might think why would I ever want to do something that sucks? But it’s really in the same vein as “do something that scares you every day” and pushing your personal limits and boundaries to do things that may seem impossible. After all, we don’t grow and get better unless we go through the struggle of learning. It was a much needed reminder to embrace change.

How have you challenged yourself and pushed your boundaries lately? xx

dress: minkpink | shoes: nike | bag: chloe | sunnies: fossil

By Amy Zhang June 7, 2018 in Style 13 Comments

Currently Obsessed: Summer Essentials for the Beach

Planning my trip to Europe next month and these are my beach/summer essentials – think crisp rosé, a good iPhone case to protect your phone, sunscreen, on trend sunnies, and a net bag. Where are you traveling to this summer?

Summer Essentials

Whispering Angel

A glass of rosé keeps the doctor away! A glass of chilled and crisp rosé continues to be one of my go-to summer drinks. You can’t go wrong with a bottle of dry and crisp rosé from the South of France.

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